Media captionJacinda Ardern: "This can only be described as a terrorist attack"
Forty people have been killed and more than 20 wounded in shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison described the gunman, who had Australian citizenship, as an "extremist, right-wing" terrorist.
Four people - three men and one woman - were in custody in connection with the shooting, New Zealand police said.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern called it one of New Zealand's darkest days".
What do we know at this point?
New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that "multiple fatalities" were recorded at two locations.
The first report of an attack came from the Al Noor mosque, located in central Christchurch. Witnesses...

Gunmen kill at least 49 people during Friday prayers at two mosques in Christchurch in the country's worst ever attack.
3 minutes ago
Ambulance staff take a wounded man from outside the mosque in central Christchurch on Friday [Mark Baker/AP]
Forty nine people have been killed and at least 20 others injured in shootings...

As Salaamu Alaikum Warahmatulaahi Wabarakatuhu.
We are now on instagram. You can follow us @islaaminfo. or https://instagram.com/islaaminfo/
Jazakallahu Khairan. Was Salaamu Alaikum
By Khalid Baig
‘... For only then we truly live. Otherwise we only pretend to live….’
It happened at an international inter-faith conference. The organizers decided to end the conference with readings from the scriptures of major religions, done by followers of other religions. As it happened, an Arab Christian read a passage from the Qur’aan. He was a good reciter. Every one seemed to be moved by his heart-rending reading, including the reciter himself....

As we all know, woodpeckers build their nests by boring holes in tree trunks with their beaks. This may sound familiar to most people. But the point many people fail to examine is why woodpeckers suffer no brain haemorrhage when they beat a tattoo so vigorously with their heads. What the woodpecker does is in a way similar to a human being driving a nail into the wall with his head. If a man ventured to do something like that, he would probably undergo a brain shock followed by a brain haemorrhage. However, a woodpecker can peck a hard tree trunk 38-43 times in just two or three seconds and nothing happens to it.(1)
Nothing happens because the head structure of woodpeckers is ideally created for such a task. The skull of the woodpecker has a remarkable suspension system that absorbs the force of the blows. Its forehead and some skull...

Many people are under the misconception that an increase in wealth will lead to an increase in happiness. However, this could not be further from the truth, as depression affects people across all income-brackets and from all walks of life.
The severity of depression can perhaps be gauged by the fact that according to statistics, in South Africa alone, there are approximately twenty-three known suicides a day!
Islam has given us a simple, free prescription that has no unwanted side effects and is incomparable in combating depression. In this regard, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught us that we should always look at those who are less fortunate than ourselves (Saheeh Muslim #7428). In doing so, we will realize how many bounties we enjoy for which we should be thankful and how fortunate we really are.
Hence, we...

A well know Arabic saying advises, “Don’t talk about a person. Ask about his companions.”
This simply means that if you want to enquire about a person — about his character, what are his habits, is he responsible, etc., then do not enquire specifically about him. Instead enquire about the company he keeps. If he keeps good company, insha-Allah he will be likewise a good and upright person. On the contrary if he remains in the company of people accustomed to sin and vice or people of low character and morals, he will generally be judged accordingly.
Musk Seller
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has emphasized upon us to always maintain good company. He is reported to have said: “A person follows the way of his friend, therefore beware of who you befriend!” (Sunan Abi Dawood #4833) In another hadeeth a good friend...

In the year 2119, in just 100 years from now, every single reader of this piece will be underground, our bodies having become part of the soil. During that time, our fate with respect to paradise or hell would have been made known to us.
Meanwhile above the soil, our houses that were left behind would have become homes for others, our clothes would have become garments for others, our cars will be driven by others, and as for us, we will be – for the most part – never thought about by anyone again. How often do you think about your great grandfather? How often does your great grandmother cross your mind?
Our presence here on earth today, that presence that we make so much noise about and shed so many tears for, was preceded by countless generations before us and shall be followed by countless generations after us....

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was recently appointed as the Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena has decided to resign from the premiership tomorrow after a special statement, MP Namal Rajapaksa tweeted a short while ago.
http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/MR-to-resign-tomorrow-Namal-159811.html

Let us pray Allah, the Almighty for the prevalence of tranquility and normalcy in the country while striving to uphold peace and coexistence

As Muslims living in this country, we have been subjected to various trials and tribulations as evident in the history. Often times, we have overcome these trials by adhering to Islamic guidance during adversities, that are based on the etiquettes of forbearance and tolerance.

Those who have unwavering faith in Allahu Tha’ala would definitely emerge victorious from their hardships and the lives of Prophets of Allahu Tha’ala provide irrefutable testimony for this universal fact. While being patient, we also should refrain from cardinal sins whilst strengthening our connection with The Sustainer. Glorious Month of Ramadhaan that is foreclosing on us provides an excellent opportunity for this spiritual drill for believers. Without a shred of doubt, virtuous deeds of the pious would definitely ward off calamities and bring peace and prosperity to the country.

Naturally, the Muslims & the other minorities of Sri Lanka have become despondent and restive due to the present situation prevailing in the country as certain venomous elements continue to openly lunge to provoke racism. These kinds of despicable attempts, unleashed against a peace loving communities in the country, only would undermine the development of the nation along with germinating mistrust and hostility among communities. Above all it is a clear violation of the basic rights solemnly pledged to the subjects by the very Constitution.

However, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) requests the Muslims all over the island to perform virtuous deeds such asSalah(prayer),Isthighfar(repentance),Sadaka(charity),Soum(fasting)Dua(supplication) andSabr(patience) while recitingKunooth An-Naazilain all the obligatory five time prayers until the commencement of Ramadhaan.

Additionally, the ACJU requests the Ulama,professionals and intellects as well as the community leaders to make collective efforts to eliminate the racism in a peaceful manner and to create awareness among the Muslim community of the fruitfulness of being tolerant and of turning more and more towards Allahu Tha’ala rather than succumbing to emotions and resorting to materialistic efforts.

“Indeed good actions eradicate bad actions. This is a reminder for people who pay heed.” (Qur’an Surah 11, Verse 114)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to havesaid:

”Be conscious of Allah wherever you are. Follow the bad deed with a good one to erase it, and engage others with beautiful character.” (Hadith - Tirmidhi)

Note:Virtue is a cleanser and can remove the stains of sins. We often respond to a sin by putting ourselves in a figurative corner and abusing ourselves psychologically until we get over that sin. This is not what Allah Ta’ala wants from us. Yes, we should feel guilty, have a level of regret and MOST IMPORTANTLY repent, but it should not stop us from moving forwa rd in good deeds. People use their sins as an excuse to stay behind. Do not allow sin to stop yourself from all the other good that you could be involved in.

The response to a sin should not be to wait, but rather to race to do something good so the sin can be erased. Our attitude should be proactive and positive. We should always have hope that Allah Ta’ala can, and will, have mercy on us as long as we keep struggling and pushing forward.

This article and all others published by us haveNO COPYRIGHTwhatsoever. You are free to forward or publish this article in its original form. However we would appreciate it if you could acknowledge the source.www.eislam.co.za

“And among His signs is that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find contentment in them, and He has instilled between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for people who reflect”.(Quran 30:21)

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said,

“The most perfect of believers in belief is the best of them in character. The best of you are those who are the best to their women.”(Hadith Tirmidhi)

"A believing man should not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes something in her character, he should be pleased with some other trait of hers." (Hadith Muslim)

Note:A husband is required to treat his wife with affection, respect her feelings, and show her kindness and consideration. It is the right of the wife to be treated well in all aspects of daily life. The husband should interact with her in a well-mannered way with a respectable attitude, sweet words and a smiling face. Being kind is indeed a pillar of strength that will fortify any marriage relationship. Remember being kind and respectful is more important that be ing right! A single harsh word can cause irreversible harm whereas a polite word could make her day!

This article and all others published by us haveNO COPYRIGHTwhatsoever. You are free to forward or publish this article in its original form. However we would appreciate it if you could acknowledge the source.www.eislam.co.za

"The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger."(Hadith-Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Note: Anger is a word, one letter short of Danger! It usually begins with madness and often results in regret. Itis an emotion which if controlled, then the results will be positive. On the other hand if uncontrolled, then the outcome would be negative or detrimental.

Many things cause one to become angry and it is very easy for us to let go of our tempers and blow into a rage. However we should try to remain as calm as possible and exercise restraint.The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advises us: “When one of you is angry while standing, let him sit down and if his anger goes away that is good; otherwise let him lie down.” (Hadith Abu Dawud)

“A moment of patience, in a moment of anger, saves a thousand moments of regret!”

This article and all others published by us haveNO COPYRIGHTwhatsoever. You are free to forward or publish this article in its original form. However we would appreciate it if you could acknowledge the source.www.eislam.co.za

Six people have been killed and another eight wounded in a shooting at a mosque in Quebec City, Canada, BBC reported today. It said shots were fired at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre on Sunday night, where dozens had gathered for evening prayers. Police confirmed the death toll and are treating the incident as a terror attack. Two people are in custody, and officers do not believe there are others suspects at large. Police said the area was secure and the situation was "under control". Dozens of people left the mosque safely, they said. A spokesperson said there was no information about the suspects in custody, saying their probe had just started. Earlier Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also described the shooting as a "terrorist attack". Mr. Trudeau said he heard of the news "with tremendous shock, sadness and anger". "We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge," he said in a statement. "While authorities are still investigating and details continue to be confirmed, it is heart-wrenching to see such senseless violence. Diversity is our strength, and religious tolerance is a value that we, as Canadians, hold dear." Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard also referred to the shooting as a terrorist attack, condemning it as "barbaric violence". He expressed solidarity with Muslims in Quebec. Earlier, a witness had told Reuters news agency that up to three gunmen had been involved. The news agency also reported that a "heavily armed police tactical squad" had been seen entering the mosque. The shooting happened at the mosque on chemin Sainte-Foy, one of two operated by the Islamic centre. On its Facebook page, the centre thanked the public "for the hundreds of messages of compassion" and asked people not to spread unconfirmed rumours. The president of the mosque, Mohamed Yangui - who was not inside when the shooting happened - said the injured had been taken to hospitals across Quebec. "Why is this happening here? This is barbaric," he said. -

"A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor does he leave him at the mercy of others."(Hadith - Muslim)

“Do not hate each other, do not envy each other, do not turn away from each other, but rather be servants of Allah as brothers. It is not lawful for a Muslim to boycott his brother for more than three days.”(Hadith–Bukhari )

Note:Brotherhood in Islam is a comprehensive concept that is based upon good character with others, treating others the way we want to be treated, and uniting together upon common values. It has three levels of degree: religion, family, and humanity. Each of these levels has a set of rights and duties that a Muslim must uphold with others.“The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”(Hadith Bukhari)

“Indeed good actions eradicate bad actions. This is a reminder for people who pay heed.” (Qur’an Surah 11, Verse 114)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to havesaid:

”Be conscious of Allah wherever you are. Follow the bad deed with a good one to erase it, and engage others with beautiful character.” (Hadith - Tirmidhi)

Note:Virtue is a cleanser and can remove the stains of sins. We often respond to a sin by putting ourselves in a figurative corner and abusing ourselves psychologically until we get over that sin. This is not what Allah Ta’ala wants from us. Yes, we should feel guilty, have a level of regret and MOST IMPORTANTLY repent, but it should not stop us from moving forwa rd in good deeds. People use their sins as an excuse to stay behind. Do not allow sin to stop yourself from all the other good that you could be involved in.

The response to a sin should not be to wait, but rather to race to do something good so the sin can be erased. Our attitude should be proactive and positive. We should always have hope that Allah Ta’ala can, and will, have mercy on us as long as we keep struggling and pushing forward.

Impact Of Buddhism, Politics & Corr...

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

My interest in writing this opinion is solely in relation to the Rule of Law (ROL) and its application in post-conflict Sri Lanka. There were promises echoed from the stages of both the Presidential and General elections with much hype, to transform Sri Lanka into an exemplary nation. Nearly two years after, even a semblance of this looks a distant mirage?

Events of the recent past indicates that there are at least three areas which impact on the ROL locally. They are Buddhism, politics and corruption. These three are intertwined and difficult to manage. For instance, politics is tainted with Buddhism and corruption. The solution is to first untwine and separate each of these from the other and, secondly, to distance each of these three factors from this idea of the ROL. To do this there are certain conditions precedent :

Determination (firm and sincere), to establish a decent civil society;

Positioning (truly), the interest of the nation above personal interests, ambitions and political party pursuits;

Inclination (strong), towards upholding truth and justice;

Resolution (unswerving), to apply the law equally to all including the monks and politicians; and,

Courage, bravery, impartiality and the real character of patriotism.

It is apt to refer to a statement by the Late Justice Weeramantry, “there can be no democracy in a country unless the rule of law prevails at every level from the humblest to the most exalted citizen.”

Are these monks alone?

For the sake of brevity, I will confine myself only to the first of these three i.e. Buddhism. As far as Buddhism is concerned the excellence of it’s teachings is well known worldwide. What is not equally known is the irreparable damage that is being done to Buddhism. There have been several scholarly opinions expressed in the Colombo Telegraph time and again, mostly written by Sinhala Buddhists. Almost all of which expressing concern on the same lines namely, the damage being perpetrated on Buddhism. Strangely, not by any non-Buddhist but by the Buddhists themselves. More so, by some of those who have chosen to adopt the strictures of Buddha and donned the saffron robe. Are these monks alone? Nay, they are ably supported by the cohorts within the bureaucracy and those outside. Evidently for their selfish political gains and, the cunning foxes among them, eyeing greater political ambitions in the future.

Racialist nationalism and buddhism are opportunistic slogans used by these so called ‘patriots’ and ‘saviours’. The Rule of Law for such elements is an obstacle.

Is Buddha A Prophet Of Islam?

This is a subject of much intellectual debate and scholarship. I must make mention of this in passing. Some may feel uneasy or even jealous arising from a sense of possessiveness that a Muslim is writing about Buddhism. Be aware that Buddhism is a universal message and not the private property of the Sinhalese. I love Buddhism and I love the Buddhism in it’s original form. I, obviously, do not love the corrupted version of Buddhism as it is commonly being practised today.

My love for Buddhism stems from my adherence to Islam. It teaches that to every nation messengers and reformers have been sent at different times. Such Reformers preached what was suitable for that time and for those people.

“And for every community or a nation, there is a Messenger;” (Quran, Chapter 10 Verse 47)

“Truly We inspire you, as We inspired Noah, and the prophets after him, as We inspired Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonah and Aaron and Solomon, and as We bestowed unto David the Psalms;”

“And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you,…” (Quran, Chapter 4 Verse 163–164)

Note the last sentence, ‘Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you’. A subject under study is if Buddha can be among one such Reformer who has not been mentioned but was Awakened to guide and reform mankind. Most of what he preached within the context of his time is in harmony with the progressive teachings of Islam. The final Reformer being Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him). This is, however, a totally different subject which can be dealt with on a later occasion.

Environment Of Impunity

It would be really humorous to think of a group of Congressmen writing a letter to their President, Barrack Obama, requesting him to take into custody and charge a suspect for inciting hate. Sadly, what would be considered a joke in the United States of America is a reality in Sri Lanka. Last month, (2nd December 2016) a letter was addressed to President Maithripala Sirisena signed by twenty one Muslim Parliamentarians requesting him “to take all extremists who are causing hate amongst communities into custody and charge them for inciting hate.” Does this action of the Members of Parliament demonstrate the absence of the normal standards of the Rule of Law? Something is amiss to require the intervention of the Chief Executive of the country over a simple investigation and prosecutorial matter. What is clear from this is the environment of impunity that has been created by the politicization of the Executive by successive governments. Wither the Rule of Law. In the absence of ROL chaos reigns and democracy diminishes.

I Will Kill You!

The virtues of the Noble Eightfold Path are very well known to the monks than to the layman. Despite this, it is alleged that Ampitiye Sumanarathana, a monk, by his conduct has either directly or indirectly brought disrepute to Buddha, Buddhism and to the respected venerable monks in the most offensive and disparaging manner. He is perceived by many to have violated these virtues by spewing out hate filled, abusive and derogatory words against another human being.

The essence of Pancha Sila (five virtues) is boundless compassion (metta). One of the virtues of the pancha sila is to abstain from killing (Panatipata). Monks take this pledge daily and also asseverates this virtue to the laymen everyday. It was shocking to see a monk who utters “Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures”, threatening a government servant saying, “I will kill you”. Ironically, in the presence of the Police who are also government servants.

Reflect for a while at the Sila (purity of conduct) Samadhi (Tranquility) and Panna (Insightful wisdom) of this monk. (see video: CT, 12.11.2016). How many times would he have hypocritically mentioned “Sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta” (May all beings be happy) in Metta Bhavana (Loving-Kindness meditation)?

Who is bringing disrepute to, and destruction of, Buddhism?

Nexus Between Buddhism And The ROL

Were the laws of this land relaxed just because he is a monk? Does wearing the saffron robe entitle one to make threats against the life of another citizen? Do they enjoy the status of primus inter pares (first among equals) and have stationed themselves beyond justice? Sarcasm would have it that the traditional concept of Separation of Powers be reviewed to include these unbuddistic monks as a new entity along with the Legislative, Executive and the Judiciary.

Here comes the nexus between Buddhism and the ROL.

Article 12 (1) of the Constitution? “All persons are equal before the law and are entitled to the equal protection of the law.”

Article 9 of the Constitution? “… it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana…”.

The Police Ordinance Section 79 (2)? “Any person who in any public place or at any public meeting uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour ……., shall be guilty of an offence under this section”.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act Section 2 (1)(h)? “Any person by words either spoken …………. causes or intends to cause commission of acts of violence or religious, racial or communal disharmony or feelings of ill-will or hostility between different communities or racial or religious groups …. Shall be guilty of an offence”.

The several Penal Code provisions relating to hate speech, threat of injury to Public Officer, criminal intimidation etc. all of which are offences.

Dear Mr. President and Mr. Prime Minister, what happened to that passionate election pledge that the Rule of Law shall be established?

Gnanasara’s rendezvous with President and the ROL

Gnanasara who famously called H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena, “rukada nayakayek – a puppet leader”, and demanded, ජනාධිපති තුමනි, ඔබ වහාම ඉල්ලා අස් වෙන්න “President, you resign immediately” is also on record stating among other matters, as follows:

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